He took the middle road: an attempt at light humor.

Sorry, but I never could understand human attempts at humor.

"We told the students involved that the signs were a poor attempt at humor."

Of course she did not understand his weak attempt at humor.

This attempt at humor did not win a smile from my husband.

But I don't think he appreciated my attempt at humor.

"Call me if you get hungry," he said in an effort at humor.

She'd thought her stab at humor would put a smile on his face.

He later explained it as a failed attempt at humor.

Despite his poor attempt at humor, her face remained tight.